Phil Briggs, chairman of the Birmingham branch of the West Midlands IT Association (WMita) is urging members to "seize the moment" as the organisation moves into an important new development phase.

"WMita has matured and is now sustaining a network of 300 leading regional IT companies," he said.

"Our sphere of influence is growing and our members are winning new contracts as a result of tender opportunities, business referrals and growing collaborative ventures.

"The next stage of our growth is the most exciting yet and we will be concentrating on expanding business-driven benefits for all our members.

"Our branch AGM will be electing a new committee and the pre-event response we have had from members has been the best ever."

Members attending the AGM will be urged to "Speak up about your Business" by guest presenter, David Hyner, vice-president of the Midlands PSA (Professional Speakers' Association).

Mr Hyner is donating his speaking fee to the UK office of the Wonder Years Centre of Excellence (WYCE) charity at Wednesbury, which is aiming to help revolutionise Gambia's education system so that its children can have a brighter future. The AGM will be held on June 28 at 9 Holt Court South, Aston Science Park.

To find out more log onto www.wmita.co.uk/ birmingham or phone 0121506 9320.